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A PDF, short for Portable Document Format, contains an exact copy of a document in a format that is compatible on multiple platforms. The PDF file format was originally created by Adobe with compatibility in mind, with viewing possible on both Mac and Windows PCs. To view a PDF, you need have a program installed on your computer to open the PDF file. On Mac computers, open a PDF using the native Preview program. On PC computers, download the free Adobe Reader program and use it to view PDFs.

Using Mac OS X Computers

1.

Download the PDF file that you want to view.

2.

Locate the downloaded PDF file on your computer.

3.

Double-click the file icon to open it and view it using Preview.

Using Windows PCs

1.

Open your Internet browser and go to the Adobe Reader download website.

2.

Click the yellow "Download Now" button and wait for the Adobe Reader program to download.

3.

Double-click on the downloaded file to open it. Follow the prompts to install the program on your computer.

4.

Double-click on the PDF file to view it in Adobe Reader.

Tip

Many PCs come with the Adobe Reader program already installed on the computer. In this case you can simply double-click on the PDF to view it.

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About the Author

Amy Scott started writing professionally in 2008. She began writing human-interest articles while working at local news website SanFelipe.com.mx, which led to writing a how-to column for her local newspaper, "The San Felipe Newsletter." Scott is pursuing a degree in equine studies from the University of Guelph.

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Scott, Amy. "How to View a PDF." Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/pdf-42362.html. Accessed 15 September 2019.

Scott, Amy. (n.d.). How to View a PDF. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/pdf-42362.html